To develop our work, we need space—space to reflect, try out ideas, receive critical feedback, and simply explore how things are progressing. As leaders in fast-moving, competitive environments such as research, we might be expected to provide such a space for others, but we rarely offer ourselves the same opportunity. Thinking Spaces is designed to provide a dedicated, confidential space in which leaders can explore all aspects of their work. Meetings are offered at a frequency to suit each individual according to their current needs, which can often change over time. Some like to have a regular space, often every two weeks. Others choose to meet more frequently whilst they focus on a particular aspect of their work. Many take both approaches, with more frequent meetings to work on a particular issue followed by a regular space in which to reflect, plan and review.
Thinking Spaces for research group leaders
To be entrusted with the task of leading a research group, you must demonstrate your capacity as a researcher. Your success, however, depends almost entirely on your skill in guiding others and creating conducive conditions in which less-experienced researchers can implement a shared vision. Your ability to inspire others and guide their development is also critical to your own professional recognition. Yet none of these things will matter if you fail to develop an insightful and creative research vision reflected in your ability to attract funding and publish your work in high-ranking journals. Thinking Spaces is a way in which you can protect time to take a step back and reflect on the progress of your group, your work with a particular student or postdoc, the direction of a research story, or even the focus of your entire research program. It can also be used to develop important research articles or grant proposals.
